It was a chilly February morning as Monmouth Rowing Club descended upon the River Severn for the Worcester Rowing Club Head. The usual 6.4km course had been trimmed to a brisk 4.6km due to debris stubbornly wedged beneath the final bridge. Still, spirits were high, well, as high as they can be in a car park that resembled a boggy field. Cars groaned in the mud, and so did the rowers as they hauled their boats up the racecourse steps to the riverbank.
In Division One, Monmouth entered a Men's Masters E4- with Nick, Toby Jonathan F and Paul B. A scratch crew (with Jon changing sides), the result was described by Tim as an Ugly win. They were joined by a Women's E8 of Sue, MJ, Kate H, Fliss, Sheila, Maggie, Lou T, Dawn B and Bonita coxing.
As Division Two rolled around, Monmouth’s presence grew even stronger with a winning Men's F Eight (Cox Bonita, Nick H, Tim E, Ian,Jonathan F, Toby, Alex, Andy D and Paul B) and three quads taking to the water:
W M 4x Mary M, Rachel R, Sarah and Maggie
Mx MG 4x time only Scott, Jo R, Lou T, Ewit.
W MC/D4x Sue, Fliss, Dawn MJ
For Jo in the Mixed quad, it was her first-ever head race—a huge milestone and a job well done! The Men's Eight rowed brilliantly, claiming victory in their category, placing 10th overall, and leaving all the younger masters crews in their wake. Their result was a testament to their hard work and team spirit.
Not all went smoothly, however. One of the quads got a bit too friendly with the riverbank, requiring some "bank gardening" to free themselves. Despite these hiccups, the quads pushed on with grit and determination, embodying the Monmouth spirit.
Post-race, the muddy car park became the unofficial stage for celebrations. Thermos lids popped open, filling the air with the aroma of hot coffee and tea. The Women's Eight cheered their male counterparts on their wins, and plans for the next training session were already underway.
As the last boat was strapped to the trailer and the sun began to dip behind the Worcestershire hills, the Monmouth crews left with muddy boots, tired limbs, and memories of another thrilling race. Worcester Head may have been shorter this year, but it certainly wasn’t short on drama or camaraderie. Here’s to more victories and fewer muddy car parks in the future!
Thanks as always for Tim for the great coaching and Paul for towing.
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